The Andrews Labor Government’s multibillion dollar pipeline of infrastructure projects is driving a new era for local steel production in Victoria and creating new manufacturing jobs.
Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan and Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman today met Liberty House Group executive chairman Sanjeev Gupta who recently purchased steel producer Arrium – now known as Liberty OneSteel.
Liberty OneSteel currently employs about 5,500 staff across the country, including 900 workers in Victoria.
Minister Noonan and Mr Gupta toured Australia’s largest manufacturer and supplier of steel reinforcing products – ARC Liberty OneSteel in Sunshine – which is expected to scale up operations to meet growing demand for steel in Victoria.
The Labor Government’s Local Jobs First – Victorian Industry Participation Policy Forward Plan lists 80 strategic projects – including 54 current and 26 future projects.
For each Strategic Project, the Government sets a minimum local content requirement that projects must meet, ensuring local spending means local jobs.
A requirement of 100 per cent locally milled steel has been established for 46 of the 50 level crossing removals.
There is also a 93 per cent requirement to use locally milled steel products for the Metro Tunnel ‘Tunnels and Stations’ package and a 92 per cent requirement for the West Gate Tunnel project.
Victoria’s steel industry employs 27,000 people – from fabricators and galvanisers to detailers and designers.
Since November 2014, the Government has approved more than $47 billion worth of Strategic Projects, which are creating tens of thousands of local jobs.
To access the Forward Plan, visit .
Quotes attributable to Minister for Industry and Employment Wade Noonan
“From level crossing removals to the Metro Tunnel – our pipeline of major projects is helping Victoria’s steel industry thrive.”
“There is unprecedented demand for locally milled steel and I look forward to working with Sanjeev Gupta and his local team to ensure we support our steel manufacturers during this exciting period.”
Quotes attributable to Member for St Albans Natalie Suleyman
“ARC has a rich history in Sunshine employing more than 180 locals.”
“It’s wonderful to meet staff, in particular Steve, who has dedicated 44 years of his working life to the steel industry. We look forward to watching ARC grow and provide more local jobs.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020